The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary: A Book Review

I have caught up with all of Beth O'Leary's books! This author's latest post, 'The Wake-Up Call,' was released in September 2023, and it's only taken me 13 months to get around to buying it. It's no secret that I am an avid reader and fan of Beth O'Leary's books and her writing style. I fell in love with her first book, 'The Flat Share' during lockdown four years ago. I've loved all her other books since then, will I love this one just as much?

Let's set the scene...

Izzy works in the Forest Manor Hotel, a quaint hotel in the New Forest that is falling apart. However, when Izzy is forced to work the same shifts as Lucas, they must put their differences aside and figure out ways to save the hotel. They only have until the New Year to save not only the hotel for the owners Mr and Mrs Singh-Bartholomew, but also their jobs. With Christmas already approaching, Izzy and Lucas pretty much need a miracle.

After Izzy returns a lost wedding ring to a previous guest, management thinks finding the owners of the other lost rings in Lost and Found will fix everything. This in turn adds a little competition between Izzy and Lucas.

With the pair sharing a mutual dislike towards each other, things get complicated the more they work together. Can they put their differences aside to save the hotel? 

What I liked about 'The Wake-Up Call'

I loved the premise of the book. Like Izzy, I would love to search far and wide to get lost wedding rings returned to their rightful owners. It sounds strange, but I loved that the hotel was a family-run hotel and not part of a big chain brand. I also loved the supporting characters, like the hotel's permanent guests, the other staff including chef Arjun and Sous chef Ollie, and the other receptionist referred to as 'Poor Mandy'. 

Also, something I loved was the odd reference to the film 'Love Actually' here and there. I know Love Actually is not everyone's cup of tea, but it was great that Beth included those referenced within the story and they were executed brilliantly.

I loved that Izzy and Lucas were complete opposites to each other. Izzy is the more adventurous, creative, optimistic, strong-willed and unique. Lucas is the more stubborn, serious, stoic one. However, it was great to see both of their vulnerable sides, particularly Lucas'.

What I disliked about 'The Wake-Up Call'

One word - Louis. An absolute tool and the sort of man I despise in real life. I won't describe him too much, but I'm sure you would take a dislike to him too. 

My favourite moment from the book

There's a lovely and heartwarming moment in an airport. I can't give too much away, but it's really cute!

Would I recommend 'The Wake-Up Call' by Beth O'Leary:

This is a lovely read, and I expected nothing less from Beth O'Leary. It's a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline, with a lot of witty banter between the two main characters. 

Izzy carries a lot of resentment, and Lucas is afraid to open up about his desire towards her. This leads me to my biggest bugbear in books - lack of communication. Thankfully, the lack of communication element between Izzy and Lucas doesn't overwhelm the plotline too much. 

This book is a big reminder that if there is someone you like, don't shy away - tell them! 

All in all, it's an easy read and this book would actually be a perfect read for Christmas!

I cannot wait to read Beth's next book 'Swept Away', which is out for release in April 2025. 

Trigger Warnings - this book talks about cheating and the death of a parent.

Let me know your thoughts on this book review!